"Kiss Come Dancing" for World Jewish Relief - 31st January 2010:
We performed 2 Latin American show numbers during this "Dirty Dancing" themed Strictly Come Dancing style event. It was part of World Jewish Relief's fundraising campaigns.
The event was held at the Radisson Blu, Portman Square, London on Sunday 31st January. The funds appeal at this event went towards World Jewish Relief's children at risk programmes.
For more information on the evening and on "World Jewish Relief", please visit their website: World Jewish Relief.

"Wheels for Ralph Show" - 15th January 2010:
On Friday January 15th we performed a Ballroom &amp Latin show at the Westgate Pavilion.
The evening was a Ballroom &amp Latin dance night. The event raised around £500 and all funds went to the local "Wheels for Ralph" campaign, raising funds for a 2 year old boy with Nemaline Myopathy.

Kent Sports Awards 2009:
We are extremely happy to announce that we were shortlisted the 2009 Kent County Sports Award, in the category "Team of the Year".
After having won our local awards in the same category, we were entered into the county awards and were shortlisted in the top 12.
We are happy that "dancesport" has received some recognition and promotion from this award and it was fabulous to bring what is not a "classic" sport to the attention of some big names in Kent.

Thanet Sports Awards Winners - 11th November 2009:
We are extremely happy to announce that we won our category of "Team of the Year" at the Thanet Sports Awards 2009. We are both pleased and proud to have earned such recognition
with our chosen sport of "Dancesport". As a closing to the awards ceremony we were asked to perform our showdance "Dancing Fool" - what a wonderful and appreciative audience,
many of whom had not seen ballroom dancing before.
All in all a wonderful night and we would like to thank Thanet Sports network, the judges and the KM Group (who were the sponsors of our category). We are looking forward to next years awards.
Photo's from the night can be seen below:

Thanet Sports Awards - October/November 2009:
We are extremely happy to announce that we have been shortlisted for a Thanet Sports Award, in the category "Team of the Year".
With over 130 entries, short listing for each of the 11 different categories must have been tough and the competition is extremely hot!
We have been invited to the Awards ceremony on the 11th November at the Winter Gardens in Margate when we
find out if we remain just shortlisted, or are highly commended, or perhaps even win!
From our point of view we are extremely excited to have made the short
listing and bring Ballroom &amp Latin Dancesport to the forefront of a "Sporting" awards ceremony.
Keep your eyes open for news and updates. We will let you know how we get on.

Hampshire Dance Festival - September 2009:
During September we had a successful weekend at the Hampshire Dance festival, winning the Hampshire Amateur Ballroom Championship convincingly. This is the second time we have danced in this championship
and we are honoured to add our names once again to the trophy which has been in circulation since 1945 and has some real "legends" engraved on the plinth.

"Strictly Bandstand"- 20th June 2009:
During June we were involved with "Strictly Bandstand" a project to promote and help regenerate Ramsgate Eastcliff's Grade II listed Bandstand, dance floor and railings.
There has been a bandstand on Ramsgate Eastcliff since 1914, the current bandstand since 1939 (when the old one was moved and replaced with the structure that remains there today).
During the 1939 refit a highly unique polished coloured concrete dance floor was laid around the bandstand within the gardens. For many years this saw extensive use, but eventually
progress meant it became outdated. Now the local andstand group are attempting to bring back the bandstand era and hence raise money to repair the structure.
After a National Lottery and government grant of over £260,000 during 2003, the bandstand itself is now regenerated and fully operational. Phase two is to attempt to get the
dance floor back to it's best. This is where "Strictly Bandstand" was to help raise money forthe dance floor regeneration.
A whole day of dance related workshop's, shows and themed events was organised. Everything from argentine tango, salsa, wwwballroom &amp latin were included. We gave several shows during the day
and offered support and a friendly chat to those watching the workshops. We even met with some of the people who used to use the dance floor in it's heyday and heard some fabulous stories
of how it used to be. Please see below for photo's from the day:
Strictly Bandstand Latin Show
Strictly Bandstand Workshop in Progress
Ramsgate Eastcliff Bandstand Dance Floor

15th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show"- 23rd April 2009:
To Celebrate St Georges Day 2009, Starlite Entertainers Productions present a fantastic Charity Variety show.
Ian &amp Victoria will perform a variety of themed dances for the show, including the debut of their Argentine Tango which they were placed second with in the European Championships.
The show will be held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Thursday 23rd April at 7.30pm. For tickets, please call the Box Office on 01843591750.
See the Poster Here.
Or for more information on the theatre, please visit their website.

European Championships of Dance 2009:
During February 2009 we took part in the European Championships of Dance, in Spain. The contest was held over a week with a
variety of individual dances contested individually. We also decided to venture into something brand new for us,
competing in the Argentine Tango championship, we were very pleased to make the final in every competition we entered.
This competition was very different to anything we have ever experienced before - not only because we were competing directly against professional dancers,
but also because an audience of over 5000 people made the event fantastic with support for couples of all nations.
The final of the European Championship Combination Of Modalities was held on the final night and we were so pleased to be crowned Vice Champions (or Runners up).
Photos of the event can be seen below:&nbsp &nbsp
For additional photographs - please visit the Gallery here.

"The Young Victoria",
Cinema release 6th March 2009:Some time ago we took part in filming for Momentum Pictures feature Film "The Young Victoria", based on the life of the queen at a young age and her struggles in her rise to power.
We were involved in the filming of the Coronation Ball scenes where "Victoria" Emily Blunt, dances with "Albert" Rupert Friend for the first time.
For the authenticity of the 1830's era we learned to waltz as per the era as well as a more complicated quadrille dance from our wonderful friend and choreographer for the film "Jack Murphy".
The film is due for release in cinemas on 6th March 2009.
For a photo of us in costume, please see our TV &amp Film Photo Gallery.
Or, Click here to watch the film trailer (look out for us), or visit the film's official website
here.

Beverly Big Band Valentines Ball
- Saturday February 14th 2009:
East Kent's premier dance orchestra, The Beverly Big play live for a fantastic "Romance" themed evening of dance.
We danced a variety of "romance" themed dances, along with a few of our own cabaret show dances.
The ball was held at the Westgate Hall, Canterbury, Kent. For more information on "The Beverly Big Band" or to find out about forthcoming events,
please contact Christine on 01227 712355.

"Strictly Building" - December 2008:
During December we were asked to take part in a "Strictly Building" challenge, laid on by Building Magazine.
The challenge was the Construction Industries answer to "Strictly come Dancing", involving companies putting forward a couple to take on a Strictly style dance challenge.
Ian &amp Victoria represented Keltbray/AWS.
With 11 couples taking to the floor, we all learned a set Salsa routine from Simon Lister and then the competition was off.
Round one saw the top 6 couples go through. We scored: 9, 9, 9 from the judges, total 27, putting us into an easy 1st place.

Round 2, we upped the game, but seemed to draw a mixed reaction from the judges with their scores and comments. We scored: 9, 10, 8, total 27, keeping us in 1st place by 1 point.

Round 3 - "The Final" and 3 couples left to battle it out:

Ian Sharpe &amp Victoria Lawrence from Keltbray/AWS

Maurice Gidwani &amp Rachel Hardisty from Mott MacDonald

Dan Stewart &amp Sophie Griffths from Building Magazine

We took all the previous comments and criticisms on board and put in a solid performance.
We scored: 10, 10, 9. Putting us in joint 1st place with Maurice & Rachel!

In true Strictly style the "public" vote was to be the decider. We are happy to report that we
obviously had the public behind us as we did win the challenge and were presented with a huge bunch of flowers and champagne:

We have since been featured on the front cover of the Building Magazine December issue, along with full information in the article inside.Click here To view the full scores.

"Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day",
Cinema release 15th August 2008:Some time ago we took part in filming for Focus Features Film "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day". The film is set in the 1920's, based on the story of a governess who happens into
the life of the upper class as a social secretary to a rich American Singer/Actress in London.
We were involved in the filming of the scenes at the "Scarlet Peacock". We are actually visible for large amounts of time in the dance and nightclub scenes.
The film is now on general release. For a photo of us in costume, please see our TV &amp Film Photo Gallery.
Or, Click here to watch the film trailer (look out for us),
or visit the film's official website here.

"Vinyl Moments Show"- 24th August 2008:
A celebration of the best of the 50s, 60s and 70s. You will be taken back to the good old days with song, dance, film clips and memorabilia.
Ian & Victoria performed 3 dance numbers, one for each decade.
The show is on at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate, commencing at 7.30pm. For more information, please visit their
website or call the Box Office on 01843 591750.

"Summer Variety Cavalcade"- Summer Season Show
Every Tuesday for 6 weeks from 29th July - 2nd September 2008:
Ian &amp Victoria performed a Fred &amp Ginger themed ballroom cabaret, a latin spot and their Argentine Tango "Passion &amp Betrayal".
The show was filled with Song, Dance and classic entertainment. At the Westgate
Pavilion Theatre, every Tuesday (for 6 weeks from 29th July),
commencing at 7.30 pm.
See the poster here.
For more information, please call the Box Office on 01843 835611.

"Diamond Jubilee Variety Show"- 25th June 2008:
Celebrating 60 years of the Granville Theatre. Starlite Entertainers Productions present a fantastic Variety show.
Ian &amp Victoria will perform a variety of dances for the show, it commences at 7.30pm.
For more information, please visit their
website.

JANUS Awards - 9th May 2008:
The JANUS Awards are Northern Irelands' equivalent of the Oscars for the tourism and hospitality industry.
This year the final awards ceremony takes on a "Strictly Come Dancing" theme and Ian &amp Victoria will perform a variety
of dances during the evening. The awards will be held at The Europa Hotel, Belfast on Friday 9th May.
This is a very exclusive "Red Carpet" event with previous winners including Paul Rankin.
Ian &amp Victoria also performed at the launch of the Awards in February at Ten Square Hotel, Belfast.
For more details please see the video of the evening below:
.

15th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show"- 23rd April 2008:
To Celebrate St Georges Day 2008, Starlite Entertainers Productions presented a fantastic Charity Variety show.
Ian &amp Victoria performed a variety of themed dances for the show, including the debut of their spectacular Argentine Tango show number.
The show was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Wednesday 23rd April.
All the proceeds from the night were donated to charity. For more information on the theatre, please visit their
website.

Cultureal Event - March 29th 2008:
Cultureal is an arts Festival based in Sandwich, Kent and aims to recognise and celebrate Sandwich's unique cultural heritage.
We performed a Ballroom &amp Latin show, live to the Beverly Big Band at the "Last Dance"
event of this day long festival. Along with this, there was dance instruction from professional teachers before the band
took to the stage so last moment techniques were honed. The "Last Dance" specific event was held in St Mary's Church.
All events were free to the public to spectate and participate, bringing the community together.

European Championship of Dance:
During February 2008 we took part in the European Championships of Dance, in Spain. The contest was held over a week with a
variety of individual dances contested individually. We made the final in every competition we entered, our best placings being
4th in both the Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble competitions. We also decided to venture into something brand new for us,
competing in the Argentine Tango championship, we were very pleased to make the final at our first attempt.
This competition was very different to anything we have ever experienced before - not only because the floor size was so limited,
but also because the judging panel were not qualified dancers, more TV personalities, local dignitaries and such like.
Photographs from the Argentine Tango Event can be seen below:&nbsp &nbsp
For additional photographs - please visit the Gallery here.

Muir Maxwell Trust Show:
During December 2007 we took part in a huge fund raising ball for the Muir Maxwell Trust at the Dorchester Hotel, London.
The theme was a Venetian Masked ball and was hosted by 2 dancers, Angela Rippon &amp Natasha Kaplinsky.
We danced a Waltz and Viennese Waltz live to the London Symphony Orchestra
to open the dance floor for the guests. The event was spectacular and the evening raised over 1 million pounds
for the charity that supports children with Severe Epilepsy.
For more information on The Muir Maxwell Trust, please visit their website
here.

Gordon Giltrap DVD Shoot:
A long time ago we were invited to dance for a new DVD being released by "Gordon Giltrap".
The DVD is a media edition of his new album "Drifter". On this album is a fantastic Viennese Waltz track called "Mrs Singers Waltz".
We were recorded dancing to the track, which has now finally been edited and released exclusively onto Youtube, you can watch that here:

For more information on Gordon Giltrap and our day shooting the video, please visit his website
here.
To see photographs taken on the day by photographer "Sue Holton" please see the
Sue Holton Gallery in our photograph collection.

Hampshire Dance Festival - September 2007:
During September we had a successful weekend at the Hampshire Dance festival, winning the Hampshire Amateur Ballroom Championship
convincingly. This trophy has been in circulation since 1945 and has some real "legends" engraved on the plinth and we are both
honoured to join this list of champions.
We were also successful in the Amateur Latin, winning the Hugh Fowler Challenge Trophy. The day was well organised and there was
good music and compering throughout the day. Photographs to follow...

Music Music Music - Summer Season Show - Every Tuesday Evening in August 2007:
Ian &amp Victoria will perform a Fred &amp Ginger themed ballroom &amp latin cabaret/show for the summer Season of "Music, Music, Music"
at The Pavilion theatre, Westgate On Sea. The show starts at 7.30 pm and will run every
Tuesday in August.
For more information, or to book tickets, please call the Box Office on 01843 835611.

The Albany Charity - Dance Show - 9th July 2007:
Ian &amp Victoria performed a ballroom &amp latin cabaret/show for the Albany Charity fund. The event will took place at the Wintergardens, Margate on Monday 9th July.
The Albany fund is a Licensed Taxi Drivers fund for children with special needs. Over 120 licensed taxi cabs join together in a convoy bringing children to the seaside for a special day out.
All money raised goes to schools and homes to purchase anything that local councils cannot provide for these special children.

14th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show"- 23rd April 2007:
To Celebrate St Georges Day 2007, Starlite Entertainers Productions presented a fantastic Charity Variety show.
Ian &amp Victoria performed a variety of themed dances for the show, which was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Monday 23rd April at 7.30pm.
All the proceeds made on the night were donated to charity. See the poster here.

The Isis Care Centre - Grand Opening - 20th April 2007:
Ian &amp Victoria performed a ballroom &amp latin cabaret to mark the Grand Opening of the Isis Care Centre, Oxford on the 20th April.
The new care home has a fantastic sprung maple dance floor as one of it's features. Guests and residents were invited to attend and enjoy the celebrations.
For more details, please visit "The Order Of St John Care Trust" Website
Here.

The Swing Dance Company - 7th April 2007:
Ian &amp Victoria provided a "fairytale" ballroom &amp Latin cabaret for "The Swing Dance Company". They hold an annual ball over the
Easter weekend, this year the theme was "Fairy Tale".
Many of the teachers and students dressed up and everybody looked fantastic. There was a brilliant live band the Ding Dong Daddio's playing throughout the evening
and it was fantastic to watch the teachers Snow White &amp the 7 dwarfs swing style cabaret. For more details, please visit the Swing Dance Company's Website
Here.

Ramsgate Carnival Association - March 2007:
Ian &amp Victoria provided a show for the Ramsgate Carnival Association's Annual Carnival Queen Selection Ball, at the Oddfellows Hall, Ramsgate.
They donated their services for free to help out this local association.
The evening involved the selection of the 2007 Ramsgate Carnival Queen &amp Princesses - Ian &amp Victoria would like to wish
all the girls selected for the 2007 season the best of luck.

January - February 2007:
During January we took part in the UK championships in Bournemouth, dancing in the two Rising Star Amateur events,
as well as the UK Amateur Ballroom Championship.
In February we made the trip across to Ireland to Dance in the "Celtic Classic", our best ballroom result of this competition being a semi final placing in the International A Class,
and a quarter final placing in the corresponding Latin American event.

TLH (Torquay Leisure Hotels) Show - February 2007:Early February we danced at the Torquay Leisure Hotel's Chatsworth Ballroom in the "Toorak Hotel". A fabulous "Learn to Dance" break was being run by Gerald &amp Margaret Thompson.
We performed a variety of Ballroom &amp Latin dances, some as basics, so the guests could see what they had been learning over the week, and other as "show" style dances.
The whole week was a great success with many of the guests booking straight away for next year. Our thanks go to 2 great friends, Gerald &amp Margaret and to the two fantastic photographers Clive Smith and Roger Allen.
Below are a couple of photographs taken during the show: &nbsp &nbsp
For additional photographs taken during the event - please visit the Gallery here.

1940's Show - January 2007:In January we took part in a 1940's theme holiday. The whole hotel was fully "themed" to 1940's style with a cinema showing old movies, "mess halls" for food,
classic indoor "games" such as coconut shy's, and plenty of "WW2 - We Want You!!" posters. For the "dance hall" night, our remit was "Strictly Come Dancing goes 1940's".
We danced 3 ballroom &amp 3 Latin American dances to original 1940's music, with hair and makeup to match the era - the only modern twist was the costumes.
The whole week went fantastically well, and the organisers were pleased that most of the guest's didn't want to go home at the end!!!.

23rd Christmas Cracker Variety Show:
- Friday December 15th 2006:
Starlite Entertainers Productions presented their 23rd Christmas Cracker Charity Variety Show at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Friday the 15th December 2006.
We danced 4 Latin American style numbers in the show, with a Christmas theme. All proceeds from the night went to charity.
See the poster here

"How Music Works", Now showing on Channel 4:Channel 4's new series "How Music Works" begins on Saturday 18th November at 8.25pm and will run for 4 weeks with a different theme each week.
We will feature in the fourth programme airing on 9th December at around 8.25pm on channel 4 (times subject to schedule change).
Take a look at the Channel 4 website.

39th International Tanzturnier, Germany - October 2006:In late October we represented England at the 39th International Tanzturnier in Germany. This involved 14 different couples, each representing different countries
competing in both ballroom &amp Latin American competitions. We were both very honoured to find that we were the very first English couple to ever dance at this competition, which was in it's 39th year.
It was a phenomenal evening with a fantastically decorated hall and a wonderful demonstration from Franco Formica &amp Oxana Lebedew. We achieved 10th placing in both the Ballroom &amp Latin American competitions.
More importantly we established some good friends and would like to thank all involved for their wonderful hospitality.
See the photographs: &nbsp &nbsp
For additional photographs taken during the event - please visit the Gallery here.

Welsh &amp Welsh Border Counties Championships, October 2006:
Early October we danced at the Welsh Border Counties championships in Chepstow. We won both the Ballroom &amp Latin American Championship titles.
Below is a photograph from the day:&nbsp &nbsp
Welsh Border Counties Ballroom &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Welsh Amateur Ballroom Champions 2006.
&amp Latin American Champions 2006.

Late October we took another trip back to Wales, this time to Cardiff, to dance in the Welsh Open Championships. This time, we won the Welsh Open Amateur Ballroom championship
and were runners up in the Latin American Championship. There was a large entry and some very good couples competing on the day, so we were
very pleased with this result.
For Photo - see above or see the photogallery.

Charity Work &amp Shows, October 2006:
During October we took part in 2 very exciting projects, the first was the VIP opening night of a brand new Nightclub, "Talk" in Herne Bay, Kent.
The night begun with a champagne reception and welcome, people were shown around, and the versatility of the building was highlighted.
We danced a Latin American show on the huge dance floor to a very packed and enthusiastic audience.
The second was a charity show for "Oasis", a women's refuge. Their Annual fund raising ball was themed crystal and casino, with a gorgeously decorated room, with a gambling
casino on the side.
We donated our time and danced a latin american show in between dinner courses. We also offered to be "auctioned" to dance a rumba with the winning bidder.
I am happy to announce that Ian raised £150 - with 2 ladies fighting over who had actually won the bid!! Victoria pipped Ian (thanks go to Frank Thorley who outbid everybody else) with a £250 bid.
So together we helped raise £400 - a very nice figure.

International Dance Gala, Austria - August 2006:In early August we represented England at the International Dance Gala in Austria. This involved 11 different couples, each representing different countries
dancing both ballroom &amp Latin American for 3 evenings of dance competitions at different locations in Austria &amp Germany.
The first Night was at the Altes Kurhaus in Bad Reichenhall, Germany. We placed 7th in ballroom and 8th in the Latin American competition.
The second evening was held in a beautiful Austrian Spa village in the mountains at the Kursaal, Bad Hofgastein, Austria. We placed 7th in ballroom and 8th in the Latin American competition.
The third and final evening was held at the Stadthalle, Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. We placed 7th in ballroom and 8th in the Latin American competition.
Over the three days we ended up finally in 7th place.
We had a most fantastic time and met some lovely people who we will stay in touch with for a long time to come. See the photograph of all the couples
here.
For more photographs taken during the event - please visit the Gallery here.

"How Music Works", Channel 4 TV Shoot:During June we took part in some filming for Channel 4's new series of "How Music Works". Along with 3 other couples we choreographed and danced to
Strauss's Waltz "Roses from the South". The idea was to show how the baseline of Strauss's music allows the dancers to "re-set" their feet at certain points during the music.
The programme is due to air in late November 2006 - check back for full confirmation on dates and times.
Click to see a photograph from the day
here. Photo shows from L - R: Anthony Price, Zoe Price, Kristi Boyce, Ian Sharpe, Victoria Lawrence, Alexander Shindila, Katie Gleason, Warren Boyce.

"Simply - Come Dancing" - Saturday 10th June 06 @ The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone:
A fantastic evening of live music and dance with East Kent's Premier Dance Band, along with cabaret dances from Ian &amp Victoria.
See the poster
here.

13th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show":
To Celebrate St Georges Day, Starlite Entertainers Production presented a this fantastic Charity Variety show. The show was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Sunday 23rd April.
We danced a variety of numbers in the show, with all the proceeds made on the night being donated to charity. See the poster here.Photographs
from the show are now in the Demonstrations Gallery.

Beverly Big Band Valentines Dance
- Saturday February 11th 2006:
East Kent's premier dance orchestra, The Beverly Big played live for a fantastic "Romance" themed evening of dance.
We danced a variety of "romance" themed dances to the live Big Band, along with a few of our own cabaret dances.See the poster here.
The dance was held at the Westgate Hall, Canterbury, Kent. For more information on "The Beverly Big Band" or to find out about forthcoming events,
please contact Christine on 01227 712355.

December 2005 - February 2006:
In February we competed at the Celtic Classic in Ireland. We ended a respectable 14th place in the "A Class" Ballroom and 16th place in the "A Class" Latin.
We also danced in the IDSF world ranking Ballroom competition. All in all a very successful weekend, we look forward to visiting Ireland again very soon.
We had a very busy January, preparing for and competing at the UK championships in Bournemouth. Also during January we competed at Horndean, winning 2 fantastic trophies for both Amateur Ballroom &amp Latin American events.
During an extremely hectic festive season, December saw us retain the Sussex Amateur Ballroom Trophy for the 8th time.

22nd Christmas Cracker Variety Show
- Friday December 9th 2005:
Starlite Entertainers Productions presented their 22nd Christmas Cracker Charity Variety Show. The show was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Friday the 9th December 2005.
We danced 4 Latin American style numbers in the show, with a Christmas theme. All proceeds from the night went to charity.
See the poster here

"Test The Nation" - Saturday October 8th 2005:
Early October we took part in the BBC's live Saturday night show "Test the Nation" with Ann Robinson & Philip Schofield.
Participating in the live studio "Ballroom Dancers" group. The programme theme was "Test the Nation: Know your English".
The programme aired in 2 parts, the first part being the actual test, the second part the "results show".
The studio groups chosen were: "Ballroom Dancers", "Surgeons", "BBC Local Radio Presenters",
"Receptionists", "Uni Fresher's" and "Greengrocers". Along with the celebrities for the night!
As a group we managed a creditable 4th place with an average score of 46 (beating the national average), beating the Receptionists, Greengrocers &amp
Fresher's.
If you would like to try the test online, please visit the
BBC Test The Nation website.

Greater London Championships - September 2005:
Late September 2005 saw us compete in the Greater London Ballroom & Latin American Championships.
The day was a success for us as we won the Greater London Amateur Latin Championship
and were runners up in the Ballroom Championship.
We also won the Amateur 10 Dance Rosebowl for being the highest placed amateur couple over all 10 dances.

July 2005:
During July we competed at a variety of competitions. Early July we danced at the UK Closed Championships in Bournemouth in both Ballroom, Latin &amp 10 dance competitions, placing 7th in 10 dance.
The weekend of the 15th saw us competing in the Isle Of Man Championships. We placed 2nd in the 3 major championships,
Ballroom, Latin &amp 10 dance. We also placed 1st in the Open Viennese Waltz and the team we danced for in the team match also won.
The last 2 weeks of July we competed in the IDSF World Ranking competitions in Penticton, Canada. We placed 8th In the Amateur Ballroom and 7th in the Amateur Latin (missing the final by only one mark).
We also danced our Quickstep Cabaret for the Final nights Showcase. For full IDSF results please see: Ballroom results &amp
Latin results.

Leukaemia Busters - Venetian Masquerade Ball - Saturday June 11th 2005:
We danced a Ballroom cabaret at the Leukaemia Busters Venetian Masquerade Ball on the 11th June.
The event was held at the Southampton Guildhall, which was transformed into the romantic and enchanting city of Venice for the evening.
The evening commenced at the Southampton City Art Gallery with a champagne reception, then onto the Guildhall for a 4 course Italian themed meal,
followed by a variety of themed entertainment.
We are happy to announce that the evening raised around £27,000 for Leukaemia Busters -fantastic &amp what a fantastic night had by all.
For further information on the cause, please click here to visit their website.

NATD Centenary Dinner Dance - Saturday May 21st 2005:
We danced our brand new Comedy Cabaret at this prestigious Dinner Dance. It was a fantastic evening with Ross Mitchell playing live music.
Our cabaret had the audience in stitches!!!

Beverly Big Band Cabaret - Saturday May 14th 2005:
We danced our 5 Dance Ballroom Cabaret at the "Beverly Big Band's" 10th Anniversary May Ball on the 14th May. The event was held at the Westgate Hall, in Canterbury, Kent.
The evening was a phenomenal success and what a fantastic crowd to dance for - very warm and friendly, obviously dance lovers.
See the poster here.
For more information on the Beverly Big Band, please contact Christine on 01227 7123552.

Forthcoming Charity Show's - April &amp May 2005:
During April &amp May we danced in 2 local charity events. The first was on the 15/16th April
at "The Pavilion", Sea Road, Westgate-On-Sea, Kent. This show was in aid of "St Saviours Church Tower" restoration appeal.
The second was "The TS Bulldog Variety Show 3" on the evening of Friday 13th May at "The Pavilion-On-The-Sands", Broadstairs, Kent.
See the poster here.
Both shows were a success raising large sum's of money for the respective charities. Watch out for more charity events
coming soon, or contact Ralph Hoult on 01843 852647.

"Winter Variety Spectacular Show" -12th February 2005:
We danced in this charity show, in aid of the Alzheimer's Society, held at
"The Theatre Royal",
Margate, Kent during February. Dancing a variety of Latin American themed dances.
See the poster here

January 2005:
During January we competed at the UK Championships in Bournemouth. We also danced at Weston Super Mare in both the EADA &amp IDSF Open Standard competitions,
we made the semi final of the world ranking competition and were placed 9th.
For full IDSF results please see here.
On the same day we also danced in the "Open Basic Foxtrot Dancer Of The Year", which we won - retaining the title from last year.

Gordon Giltrap DVD Shoot:
During December 2004 we were invited to dance for a new DVD being released by "Gordon Giltrap".
The DVD is a media edition of his new album "Drifter". On this album is a fantastic Viennese Waltz track called "Mrs Singers Waltz".
We were recorded dancing to the track, which will be edited into the DVD with Gordon playing the Guitar.
For more information on Gordon Giltrap, please visit his website here.
To see photographs taken on the day by photographer "Sue Holton" please see the
Sue Holton Gallery in our photograph collection.

"The 21st Christmas Cracker Variety Show" -10th December 2004
We once again took part in the Starlight Christmas Charity Show, dancing to a variety of "Christmas themed" music. The event was held at "The Granville Theatre", Ramsgate, Kent.
See the poster here

December 2004: During December 2004 we danced at Horsham & retained the Sussex Amateur Modern Trophy.

Gaye Biffen Memorial Trophies:
This event was held during November 2004, run by Avon Amateurs, who spent the day raising money for Cancer Research.
We had a successful day, winning the Gaye Biffen Amateur Ballroom Memorial Trophy &amp the Viennese Waltz Trophy,
and placing second in the amateur latin event. We were also asked to compete in the "Team Match" dancing Latin for the "Avon" team,
who won the "Best Team" Trophy. Photos to come - please check back soon.

"The TS Bulldog Variety Show 3" on the 21st November 2004:
Ian & Victoria are to dance at this show. It is to be held at "The Pavilion-On-The-Sands", Broadstairs, Kent. Show commences 7.30pm.
Tickets are priced £5 adults, £4 OAP's, £3 children. To book tickets, please contact Ralph Hoult on 01843 852647, or visit his shop in King Street, Ramsgate.
See the poster here.NOTE: TS Bulldog Event postponed until May 2005 - more details above.

Lord Mayor's Viennese Ball, October 2004:
During October all the glamour of the Vienna Ball Season came to the City of London for the first-ever Viennese Ball
at the Mansion House. The Ball was opened in traditional style by young Austrian dancers. Guests then took to the floor,
enjoying a variety of waltzes and polkas performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were in attendance, and HE The Austrian Ambassador was Guest of Honour.
This was a fundraising evening, with all proceeds going to this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal - ‘Music and the Arts for Everyone’.
Ian & Victoria danced their ballroom show during the orchestra break. This was met with a wonderful, warm reception from the guests.
Such a fabulous ballroom -the Egyptian Hall of Mansion house really inspires you to dance your best.
For more information visit the viennese ball website
here.
Check back soon for some photographs.

Strictly Come Dancing, Series 2:
The second series of this show commences on Saturday the 23rd October. This time there will be 10 pro/celebrity pairings
competing to become SCD 2 champion. The "behind the scenes" show will run every weekday evening at 6.30pm on BBC2.
For more detailed information, please visit our SCD2 page here.

Greater London Ballroom Championships:
Late September 2004 saw us compete in the Greater London Ballroom & Latin American Championships.
This fantastic competition is now in it's 40th year, run by Audrey Fowler, held near Broxbourne.
The day was a success for us as we won the Greater London Amateur Ballroom Championship
and placed 5th In the Latin Championship.

FLASH TV Advert: Now Showing
The new "Flash Dry Dusters" TV Advert features dancing. Showing now on TV, the advert stars Karl Howman the
"Face of Flash" having a flashback (excuse the pun!) to the 70's when he was dancing in a
Butlin's style dance competition.
Look out for Victoria dancing with Karl & Ian dancing with some other dance faces you may recognise as our "competition".
Please click to view photo's.

Isle Of Man Championships, June 2004:
Toward the end of June, we competed in the Isle Of Man championships. We placed 2nd in the 3 major championships,
Ballroom, Latin &amp 10 dance. We also placed 1st in the following 3 competitions: Open Amateur Ballroom,
Open Amateur Latin, Open Viennese Waltz. We also took part in the team match of which our team also won.
Click here to view photo's: Podium
&nbsp Line Up.
The venue for these championships was absolutely fantastic, rarely do you get a chance to dance at such a venue.
It was a real old fashioned "Opera House" that has just undergone a refurbishment, a mix of old & new,
and a fantastic dance floor.

May/ June 2004:
Throughout May &amp June we have been busy with many competitions. Including EADA ranking competitions,
The Open British at Blackpool &amp the Torquay dance festival amongst others. Later in the month we took
part in the Isle Of Man Championships (details of this can be found above). The last weekend of June saw us
compete in the EADA 10 Dance selection at Bromley where we achieved 7th place and moved up to 4th place in the 10 dance chart.

Professional Wealth Management Photo Shoot:
Earlier this year we were involved in a photo shoot for the "Professional Wealth Management" magazine.
The magazine had commissioned the photographer Coneyl Jay to produce one year's worth of Magazine covers
promoting togetherness, one of these they chose to do through ballroom dancing.
Coneyl Jay took some fantastic photos of us for the magazine's front cover, please click to
view photo's.

11th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show":
During April we danced in this charity variety event, celebrating St Georges Day.
The show was at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. All money raised went to the St Georges Church Appeal Fund
&amp the Ramsgate &amp Broadstairs Sea Cadets.
See the poster
here.

EADA Showcase, March 2004: On the 13th March we danced in the popular EADA showcase.
The event, which was held at Warsash, near Southampton was a real success, raising over £1,000 for the EADA Training Scheme.
The EADA showcase consists of both Ballroom & Latin American demonstrations from individual couples, as well as a team match.
There is also the chance for the audience to dance with the amateurs in the show.

Come Dancing returns to TV:
Recent news articles confirm that the popular TV show "Come Dancing" is to
return to our screens in May. The new presenter will be Bruce Forsyth, accompanied by Tess Daly. The show will be titled "Strictly Come Dancing".
The main programme will be showing on BBC1, saturday night prime time, with a shorter programme showing every night of the week on BBC3.
The show will take the following format: each week the eight couples (made up of one celebrity & one "professional" dancer) will dance a different dance under
competition rules. There will be a professional judge to offer opinions on the couples, but also the public will be involved in voting for
their favourite couple.
The celebrities/Dance Pro's have been matched as follows:

January/ February 2004: During January we competed at the UK Championships in Bournemouth, also the Bill & Sylvia Mitchell Tribute day
held at Leatherhead, where we won both the Amateur Ballroom & Latin Events.
The first weekend of February saw us competing at Weston Super Mare in the IDSF Open Standard competition, we missed the final by one place an so were placed 7th.
For full IDSF results please see here. On the same day we also danced in
the "Open Basic Foxtrot Dancer Of The Year", which we won. Later in February
we are off to Ireland to compete in the Irish IDSF competitions.

December 2003: On the 14th December we danced at Horsham & retained the Sussex Amateur Modern Trophy.
We also placed first in the Amateur latin Championship.

Xmas News:20th Annual "Christmas Cracker Variety Show"
On the December 5th took part in this show at the Granville Theatre,
Ramsgate. All money raised on the evening is donated to charity. See the poster
here.

September & October 2003: September and October have been very busy dance wise.
Late September we danced in The Greater London Championships at Broxbourne. We placed 2nd in both the Ballroom & Latin events,
and won the Greater London 10 Dance Rosebowl.
Early October we competed at Watford at the "Choice - Fashion & Dance" event. We placed 4th in the Amateur Ballroom competition and also danced in the
EADA Amateur Latin American National Selection event.
Also since July we have been training very hard every Saturday at Egham with the EADA scheme, preparing for the International and the Closed British
later this year.

Gala Variety Charity Show: On the 13th September 2003, we took part
in the variety charity show at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne. All money raised went to St. Wilfred's
Hospice, Eastbourne. For more details
click here.

Imperial Championships, EADA Amateur 10 Dance Selection: These championships were held at Watford on the 24th August.
We placed 6th in the 10 dance competition, after making the finals in 3 ballroom dances and 2 latin dances. Full results can be found
here.

South East of England Championship: During January we attended these championships held at
Leatherhead. We won the Modern title and were runners up in the Latin event.

EADA Showcase: In June we took part in the EADA showcase at Egham, dancing a show Quickstep,
and dancing latin in the team match. August 2003 Dance Today Magazine carried an article on the event.
Article No longer available to view.

Black & White Photographs - Top Hat & Tails: Late last year we were involved in a
photo shoot. The photographer Glen Burrows had been commissioned by
"Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines" to produce a series of 4 Black & White
photographs with the theme "Top Hat & Tails" to be placed on one of
it's new radiance class liners coming in the future, either "Serenade of the Seas" coming in November 2003 or "Jewel of the Seas" coming in
November 2004. View Photo's.

BBC 2 Comedy Drama - "Happiness": Mid May 2002 we
worked as extras on the 'Paul Whitehouse' BBC sitcom 'Happiness'. The
programme features a ballroom dancing club, to which the star 'Johnny
Vegas' attends in an attempt to dance and meet women. The first series,
shown in 2001 won Johnny a
Royal Television Society Best Newcomer Award.
The second series consists of 6 programmes and begins on the 14th January 2003, on BBC2 at 10.00pm.

Charity Event News:"Christmas Cracker Variety Show"
On December 6th 2002 we took part in this show at the Granville Theatre,
Ramsgate, 7pm. This is a free christmas show for all Ramsgate OAP's, with
any money raised being donated to charity.

"Malta Dancesport Championships": This took place on the 19th & 20th October.
Both the Amateur Ballroom & Latin competitions were "IDSF Open". We danced on a lovely floor in an old WW2 converted aircraft hangar.
The atmosphere was great and we met some absolutely fantastic people from the MDA. Results wise we made the quarter finals
in the IDSF Ballroom competition.
Links to full results will be published soon. I am also informed that there may be some coverage
of the competition available to view on Dancescape.tv.

September & October 2002.: We competed in three EADA events this month. Two Standard ranking competitions,
one at Bournemouth and one at Birmingham. Also an EADA 10 Dance ranking competition held at Grays.
Late September we attended the IDSF ranking weekend at Heathrow, with an IDSF International Open Latin competition on
Saturday the 28th and an
IDSF International Open Standard competition on Sunday the 29th. The results of these competitions can be found on the
following links:
Saturday - Latin&nbsp &nbsp
Sunday - Ballroom
After all of these competitions, preparations were on for the Golden Jubilee International Championships.
Saturday mornings back to Egham, and EADA training. After the international we were straight off to Malta (see above).

"The Royal Harbour of Ramsgate Golden Jubilee Tattoo": This took place on the
18th August from noon to sunset at Ramsgate Harbour. It was a lovely hot sunny day, and after inspecting what was
to be the "parade ground" where we were to dance, it was decided that we should demonstrate inside a marquee
instead. The day went well with various entertainment and celebrations for the Jubilee year.

Welsh Open & IDSF Modern: On the 28th July
2002 we attended the Welsh Open Championships
at Cardiff. Even though it was said to be the hottest day of the year so far, it was cool inside for the dancers with air conditioning.
We danced in the Welsh open Ballroom Championship and came 2nd. Also we danced in the IDSF open Modern world ranking event
and were placed 5th. (Full results of the IDSF event will follow shortly).

"Telemark" Cabaret: On the 20th July
2002 we spent the day at "Telemark Dance Studio",
Ramsgate. The studio is closing after many years, and this was a "social get together" for all pupils, past & present.
(Note: teaching will still continue throughout Thanet at hired halls.)
We have both attended this studio since we very first started to dance, and we are very happy to have been asked to
perform 2 cabarets for this event. A 5 Dance latin demonstration in the afternoon for the children & parents,
and our 5 Dance Ballroom Cabaret in the Evening for the adults party.
Both Ian & I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jo and Sharon for all their help and support over the years,
and wish them well for their teaching in the future. You will have our continued support.
Photographs from this event can be found in the gallery.

UK Closed Championships: Mid July sees us back from the 2002 UK Closed Championships
at Bournemouth. We danced the 10-Dance on Friday, and the Amateur Ballroom on Saturday.
Unfortunately we had
to withdraw from the Latin Championship on the Sunday due to illness.

"Midsummer Madness" Cabaret: We performed a 5 dance Ballroom
Cabaret for Oakhill Dance Promotions "Midsummer Madness" social dance.
This event was packed and we danced to a great reception.

Golden Jubilee Cabaret: The 15th June saw us
perform our 5 Dance Ballroom cabaret at the "Great Hall, Bromley Civic Centre"
in celebration of the Queens Golden Jubilee. The evening featured Tony Evans and his Orchestra.
Hopefully photographs will follow soon...

St. Georges Day Red Rose Charity Variety Show
: Taking place at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. On the 23rd of April at 7.30pm.
We are to perform two spots in the show. Please come along, recognise St George's
Day and support local charities. Tickets can be purchased from Ralph Hoult
in Ramsgate or purchase tickets on the night.

February 2002: February 3rd - Avon Amateurs EADA
Ballroom Ranking competition at Bristol. We make the quarter finals in the
EADA competition, and place 6th in the final of the Amateur Ballroom
competition from an initial entry of 20.February 9th - Egham Sports
Centre, the Middlesex Championships. We place 5th in the Amateur Ballroom
championship.February 21st-24th Celtic Classic, Ireland. IDSF
International Open Modern & Latin competitions. For a full listing of
results please see
this website & follow links to the Irish Open.

Films: During 2001 we worked as extras on a film. The film, "Iris" was shot
in May in and around Oxford. It stars Kate Winslet as young Iris & Dame Judy Dench as the
older Iris. For more information on the film
click here.Iris is now showing throughout The UK
- already set from success in America (see article below), Iris premiered in London
on the 13th January. Jim Broadbent won a golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor for his
role in the film, and Judi Dench recently won a BAFTA for Best Actress.
Jim Broadbent wins oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Iris.
Trailer - No Longer available.

IRIS release date set for 14th December in the US:
Iris, Dated For Pre-Oscar US Release. Two high-powered British prestige pictures
- Iris and Charlotte Gray - have been set for release in the US and Canada in December,
meaning that they qualify for and indeed will be pushed for Oscar consideration. Iris
directed by Richard Eyre was not expected to be released by Miramax Films,
which has domestic rights, until next year. The story of Iris Murdoch
featuring double Oscar nominee Kate Winslet as the young Iris and winner
Judi Dench as the older Iris, it has long been touted as a perfect awards
candidate, although again Miramax has a bulging slate of films this
Christmas, all primed for Oscar attention. However, the company have set
Iris for a one week qualifying run in Los Angeles and New York City
starting Dec 14.Information taken from "Screen Daily" By Mike Goodridge.

December 2001: December 16th - We retain the Sussex Amateur Modern Trophy at Billingshurst.
Picture.
Also we place a very close 2nd in the Amateur Latin event.
December 9th - Metropolitan Championships, Egham.
We place 6th in the Amateur Modern after an entry of 19 couples. Also we
place first in the Open Viennese Waltz and gain some points in the EADA
Chart ranking 10 Dance Competition.

Charity Event News:
On the 8th of December we took part in the
"Christmas Cracker Variety Show"
at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. This was a free christmas show for all Ramsgate OAP's.
On November 25th, we took part in "The Night of a Thousand
Dancing Feet - Variety Show" at The Wintergardens, Margate.
The challenge was to have 1,000 dancing feet pass across the stage for
charity. We are pleased to report that in fact 1,018 dancing feet passed
across the stage and raised a large sum of money for charity. (Please check
back for actual figure soon). All proceeds from this event went 50/50 to
Children in Need & Demelza House.
On the 23rd September we took part in the "Starlite 20th Anniversary Variety Show"
at the Theatre Royal, Margate. All proceeds on the day were split between local
charities. £400 was raised for the "Disability Activity Group" and £200
for "The Theatres Trust".

October 2001: October 14th - Fashion & Dance,
Watford. We place 3rd in the Amateur Modern competition and 6th in the
Amateur Latin. Victoria received runner up spot in the Fashion & Dance
'Best Ballroom Dress' competition.
October 21st, Birmingham. Runners up in the Pat Clements Open Foxtrot Trophy. EADA Modern Selection heat.

September 2001: Early September we competed at
Miami in the United States Dancesport Championships. The Modern results can be found on the
USDSC website (No Longer Available).
The latin championship was also an IDSF International Open Ranking event. The
results can be found on the
IDSF website.

TV Drama: During 2001 we also worked on the TV
Drama, "The Cazalets". The programme is based around a family - The
Cazalets and is set in the late 30's early 40's. The photographs below are
taken from Part 2 shown on 29th June. For more photographs please go to the
Photogallery.

May 2001: Early May saw the return of the Garden
Coast Dance Festival at Folkestone. 2 wonderful demonstrations started the
weekend off, Latin on Friday night by Mark Lunn & Louise Lidbury, and
Modern on the Saturday night by Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry.
Saturday night also included a small number of 'lounge clothes'
competitions. New this year was the Ron Heliwell Memorial Trophy for
Foxtrot & Rumba, what a wonderful man & what a wonderful trophy.
We were extremely pleased to win this competition. Sunday at the main
competition day, we came 5th in the Amateur Modern, and won the Amateur
Latin event.Sunday the 13th we travelled to Didcot where the Midland
Counties Championships were being held. We won the Amateur Modern title
and came 2nd in the Amateur Latin event.Late May, the United Kingdom
Amateur 10 Dance Championships were held at the Tower Ballroom,
Birmingham. We placed 6th overall in the 10 dance championship and came
5th in the Amateur Modern Competition.

February 2001: Leatherhead (18th) Ian &
Victoria won both Amateur events. The modern report was featured in
edition 1709 of Dance News. This event also included the two EADA Basic
trophies, both of which we won, making the day extremely successful.

Ian & Victoria win the U/35 Pre Championship Modern Title
At Champions of Tomorrow, Blackpool on the 6th January 2001.

Blackpool 2001 Winners U/35 Pre-Championship Modern

Prize Presentation with John Byrnes & Jane Lyttleton

On the 6th January 2001 the Wintergardens, Blackpool saw the annual gathering to the grand finals of
the "Champions of Tomorrow" competition. Ian & Victoria qualified in
the U/35 Pre-Championship class and after competing in 4 rounds (including
the semi and final) they were announced the winners. The photographs above
show the presentation of the trophies.